I got off to a lazy start today, thanks to the oddly narcotic effects of an
overnight snowfall. Not wanting to pressure my neighbor into shoveling my walk
again, I did get out there first thing, but this turned out to be more of a
dusting than anything, and while I (literally) scraped the surface with my
shovel, the sun is actually taking care of more of the job than I did (maybe I
can still convince my neighbor we're even now?). Now where do I place a request
that the rest of this winter's storms leave such an easy clean-up behind?

I remember we used to live to see this show - it was the highlight of the week! The next day everyone would be talking about what was on. And of course waiting to see if Stuart Chieffet's head was going to finally pop off was the icing on the cake. He had this strange way of sort of rotating his head as he talked....you just had to see it.

Upper back and shoulder area or legs is just a matter of opinion and ones own body. Some people’s shoulders can handle it better than legs. I prefer it up on the shoulders, as it does not limit my leg movement any.

Ah...for practical purposes you're on the mark. When I lived in Arizona, backpacking was a hobby of mine and I found the heavier the load the more equal distribution you want across your back. But to get that you either need to pack expertly or use a load system with a metal frame.

Though, I guess given school work and books, a metal frame is a little crazy Though good God, I started my second semester at Indiana University and I think I need a full ruck to get around.

Any Boy Scout who's been on backpack camping trips can tell you that. The best option is to use backpacks that have hip belts to transfer the load to your legs - the shoulder straps are for control of the pack, not to weigh down your upper body with the load. Your shoulders should not be carrying the load at all.

What a coincidence! Just today we got our Ergo baby carrier delivered. Mrs Cynips tells me it seems to be everything she hoped for:

To the German users of this board, what does "Der Einzige Zeuge" mean? Apologies if it's rude, but i've been listening to that track by Neiderschlag for a while and nowhere can i find a proper/decent translation of that phrase.

To the German users of this board, what does "Der Einzige Zeuge" mean? Apologies if it's rude, but i've been listening to that track by Neiderschlag for a while and nowhere can i find a proper/decent translation of that phrase.

Edit: I just read that backpack thing and i find it incredible. Just wondering but did anyone when they were younger wear a backpack with only one strap? I know i did. Maybe that contributed to the fact that their sensors detected more pressure on the right shoulder than the left.

And backpack straps should be positioned over both shoulders, lowering the amount of weight carried by one shoulder. Wider straps also reduce the pressure on the shoulders.

Really? I never knew the straps should be positioned over both shoulders. I guess my idea of wearing a strap over my elbow was wrong. Sheesh what a useless study.This comment was edited on Dec 6, 18:57.

Right - hips and legs, not back, is preferred. Actually, weight on your shoulders puts the same exact amount of weight/stress on your hips/legs (legs have to carry the entire load no matter where you are carrying it), but you are also forcing your back to balance the load as well. For small enough loads for short enough durations, fine. For a relatively heavy backpack on a hiking trip, supporting the load on your hips is best for your upper body.

*** Warhawk ***Your repeated violation of the Verbal Morality Statute has caused me to notify the San Angeles Police Department. Please remain where you are for your reprimand.

Have I lied to you? I mean, in this room? Trust me, leave that thing alone. - GLaDOS

Upper back and shoulder area or legs is just a matter of opinion and ones own body. Some people’s shoulders can handle it better than legs. I prefer it up on the shoulders, as it does not limit my leg movement any.

Another reason for having it up on your shoulders.Go pickup somebody as if they where a baby and then put them over your shoulder and stand up straight…which is more easier?If you get it on your shoulder and (very important) your posture is right it feels as it becomes almost weightless.

I saw Lord of War last night, and was very pleasantly surprised by how good it actually was. It's got a few problems here and there, but overall turned out to be a very interesting and quite intelligent film. Certainly left me with lots to think about.

The trailers had me thinking it would be completely the opposite, but here I am recommending it, so go figure..

I remember when I found this out myself. Sure, it's not really a backpack, but a bigass camping backpack that had metal bars and a hip belt that everyone just let hang. As soon as I tied that puppy on and started back up that hill, I was astounded.

I did a few 50-mile backpack trips and who knows how many shorter ones while in Scouts - the hip belt saves you a lot of misery. You learn that pretty damn quick.

Always wanted one of those fancy mostly-rigid-but-slightly-flexible frames I first saw about 20 years ago, but I just stuck with the old metal-framed thing Dad got me when I first started going backpacking. I think I still have that thing in my folk's garage somewhere....

*** Warhawk ***Your repeated violation of the Verbal Morality Statute has caused me to notify the San Angeles Police Department. Please remain where you are for your reprimand.

Have I lied to you? I mean, in this room? Trust me, leave that thing alone. - GLaDOS

Any Boy Scout who's been on backpack camping trips can tell you that. The best option is to use backpacks that have hip belts to transfer the load to your legs - the shoulder straps are for control of the pack, not to weigh down your upper body with the load. Your shoulders should not be carrying the load at all.

Couldn't have said it better myself, but i'll nastalgia'lize nonetheless...

I remember when I found this out myself. Sure, it's not really a backpack, but a bigass camping backpack that had metal bars and a hip belt that everyone just let hang. As soon as I tied that puppy on and started back up that hill, I was astounded. It was great for portaging too, if you had a rolled up sleeping bag on the top of the backpack, you could just rest the canoe on it : )